The Jules Stein Eye Institute, part of the UCLA Health System and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and the Doheny Eye Institute announced July 29 that they have entered into exclusive negotiations under a signed letter of intent for a long-term affiliation to create the nation's preeminent centers for ophthalmic patient care, vision research and education.

The proposed affiliation would preserve each organization's identity and mission, seek to combine clinical operations that would expand patient access in Los Angeles, and align strengths that have factored into world recognition for each in advancing ophthalmology through research, outreach, education and patient care. Both organizations are in the top 10 of the most recent U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital Rankings for ophthalmology, with the Jules Stein Eye Institute ranked No. 5 and the Doheny Eye Institute ranked No. 9, based on feedback from fellow ophthalmology specialists on challenging cases and procedures.

"We are honored to work with the Doheny Eye Institute board in developing a plan to improve patient care throughout Southern California and at the same time extend the Jules Stein Eye Institute's research and education efforts, which hold immense value for the nation and world," said Dr. David Feinberg, president of the UCLA Health System, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System and associate vice chancellor of the Geffen School of Medicine. "This is a rare and unique opportunity to strengthen relationships with our distinguished colleagues at Doheny, many of whom have long collaborated with us in serving the Los Angeles community."

"Since our establishment in 1947, the Doheny Eye Institute has worked to become the premier vision research and education eye institute in the world through the discovery of new knowledge, innovative eye-care therapies and the education of the leaders of ophthalmology and vision science," said Ed Landry, chairman of the Doheny Eye Institute board of directors. "With UCLA and the Jules Stein Eye Institute, we have identified a partner whose mission statement is complementary to ours and who shares our values and high standards for education, patient care and research. We look forward to fruitful negotiations."

The UCLA Health System has for more than half a century provided the best in health care and the latest in medical technology to the people of Los Angeles and the world. Comprising Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica; the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA; Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA; and the UCLA Medical Group, UCLA Health, with its wide-reaching system of primary care and specialty care offices throughout the region, is among the most comprehensive and advanced health care systems in the world. For information about clinical programs or help in choosing a personal physician, call 800-UCLA-MD1 or visit www.uclahealth.org. (Facebook | Twitter)

The Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA is a vision science campus dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vision through its global programs in innovative research, quality patient care, and multidisciplinary and integrative education. The institute's community outreach efforts range from its Mobile Eye Clinic, which travels to schools, shelters, health fairs and other organizations that assist homeless and low-income families, to programs like Vision IN-School, for vision education; Shared Vision, for the collection and donation of used eyeglasses; the Preschool Vision Screening program; and the Indigent Children and Families program. For more information or to make an appointment, call 310-825-5000 or visit www.jsei.org.

The Doheny Eye Institute, established in 1947, is a top-ranked nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, improvement and restoration of human eyesight. Doheny Eye Institute is recognized as a preeminent center for vision research, education, clinical care and breakthrough innovation.